Taiwan is worried about its diplomatic relations with Panama and the DR, two countries that have not invited President Chen Shui-bian during his tour of Latin America next month, according to the Taiwanese “United Daily News”. Chen is planning to visit the region to attend the Taiwan-Central American summit that takes place every two years convening the leaders of those nations. According to the article, the Taiwanese leader’s trip may be cut short this time because Panama and the DR have not responded to Chen’s request to visit both nations. Chen will attend the summit, which will open on 17 November in Nicaragua, and was to have traveled on to Haiti, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as Panama and the DR. However, the Taiwanese team that was supposed to set off today on a preparatory visit in advance of the summit, has postponed its departure due to the “coldness” with which Panama and the DR have responded to Chen’s proposed visit. The Taiwanese presidential office is denying these claims, insisting that ties with Panama and the DR are solid. Panama and the DR are among the 28 nations that recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty as the seat of the Republic of China since 1949. However, the People’s Republic of China (the mainland) considers Taiwan a secessionist province and wants Taiwan’s allies to recognize Beijing instead of Taipei.